Description
Crispy, golden, and juicy oven-baked chicken inspired by KFC flavor—no deep fryer required! A healthier twist on a fast-food classic.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 pieces chicken (drumsticks, thighs, or bone-in breasts)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or a few tablespoons oil
Instructions
- In a large bowl, whisk buttermilk and hot sauce. Submerge chicken, cover, and marinate in the fridge for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- In a shallow dish, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil, place a wire rack on top, and lightly grease with cooking spray.
- Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in flour mixture, pressing gently to coat well.
- Arrange chicken on the rack. Lightly spray or brush with oil for even browning.
- Bake 40–50 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving to keep the meat juicy.
Notes
For extra crispiness, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end of baking. Leftovers can be refrigerated for 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crunch. Serve with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits for a classic meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 4 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American